Do I have a court case if my manager yelled at me in front of my co-workers for not wearing a belt with my maternity pants?
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Do I have a court case if my manager yelled at me in front of my co-workers for not wearing a belt with my maternity pants?
Even loud enough a customer wrote a letter complaint to corporate office saying she heard it all and is completely upset with the managers poor way of handling a situation?
Asked on October 23, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, Oregon
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
It is possible, depending on the exact circumstances, that you suffered illegal harassment against you for being pregnant--the law bars discrimination against or harassment of women due to pregnancy. However:
1) As stated, it depends on the circumstances whether you may have a case: if, for example, without a belt, your pants were sliding down, your shirt was badly untucked and exposing your belly, or you otherwise looked unprofessional, it might not be illegal harassment, since a company has a right to maintain dress standards.
2) Even if it was illegal harassment, the amount of monetary compensation you could recover is linked to the damages, loss, costs, or injury you suffered. If it was a one-time event, for example, with no actual impact on your job or earnings, you likely could not recover any money, making a lawsuit pointless.
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